Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present the HOLY GRAIL of U.S. semi-automatic carbines for a penny-start auction; this is the Irwin-Pedersen M1 Carbine!
The Irwin-Pedersen is the rarest sister model of the Winchester, IBM, Rockola, US Postal Meter, Saginaw, and Inland M1 Carbines.
The Irwin-Pedersen M1 Carbine is exceptionally rare and highly desirable due to its short, troubled production run during World War II. Contracted to help meet soaring U.S. military demand, the Michigan-based company produced only about 3,500–3,800 rifles before the contract was canceled due to quality control issues. Few original examples survive today, making them a prized collectible, valued not only for their scarcity but also as a unique piece of wartime manufacturing history.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Irwin-Pedersen
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial: 1773997
Barrel Date of Manufacture: February 1943 “2-43”
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Finish: Blue/Parkerized
Barrel Length: 18" Underwood Barrel
Optics/Sights: Wing-Protected Blade Front with Adjustable Aperture Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Hardwood Stock
Action: Semi-Automatic Carbine
Markings: Standard / No visible import markings are present. The top of the receiver behind the rear sight is marked “IRWIN-PEDERSEN / 1773997.” The barrel behind the front sight is marked “UNDERWOOD / 2-43 / Flaming Bomb Ordnance Stamp.” The right side of the stock is stamped with the cross cannon ahead of a boxed “(illegible letter) P” cartouche. The left side of the stock is stamped “RIA / EB” in a square box, and the flaming bomb ordnance and “IR-IP" are depicted in the sling notch. The face of the grip is stamped with a “P” inside a circle proof. The left side of the metal buttpad is stamped “IP-PM.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Irwin-Pedersen M1 Carbine is one of the most intriguing and sought-after variants of America’s iconic World War II carbine, standing out for both its rarity and its troubled production history. In 1942, as U.S. military demand for the lightweight semi-automatic M1 Carbine skyrocketed, the government contracted with a number of companies outside the traditional firearms industry to accelerate output. Irwin-Pedersen Arms Co., based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was one of these firms. The company was a joint venture between John Pedersen, a well-known firearms designer, and the Irwin family, who ran a furniture business. Unfortunately, the company lacked both the technical expertise and manufacturing efficiency required for mass military arms production. Despite producing a small number of carbines, their rifles suffered from poor quality control and failure to meet government standards. By early 1943, the contract was terminated, and production responsibilities, along with the Grand Rapids facility, were transferred to Saginaw Steering Gear (a General Motors division), which successfully continued carbine output at the site.
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial: 1773997
Barrel Date of Manufacture: February 1943 “2-43”
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Finish: Blue/Parkerized
Barrel Length: 18" Underwood Barrel
Optics/Sights: Wing-Protected Blade Front with Adjustable Aperture Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Hardwood Stock
Action: Semi-Automatic Carbine
Markings: Standard / No visible import markings are present. The top of the receiver behind the rear sight is marked “IRWIN-PEDERSEN / 1773997.” The barrel behind the front sight is marked “UNDERWOOD / 2-43 / Flaming Bomb Ordnance Stamp.” The right side of the stock is stamped with the cross cannon ahead of a boxed “(illegible letter) P” cartouche. The left side of the stock is stamped “RIA / EB” in a square box, and the flaming bomb ordnance and “IR-IP" are depicted in the sling notch. The face of the grip is stamped with a “P” inside a circle proof. The left side of the metal buttpad is stamped “IP-PM.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Irwin-Pedersen M1 Carbine is one of the most intriguing and sought-after variants of America’s iconic World War II carbine, standing out for both its rarity and its troubled production history. In 1942, as U.S. military demand for the lightweight semi-automatic M1 Carbine skyrocketed, the government contracted with a number of companies outside the traditional firearms industry to accelerate output. Irwin-Pedersen Arms Co., based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was one of these firms. The company was a joint venture between John Pedersen, a well-known firearms designer, and the Irwin family, who ran a furniture business. Unfortunately, the company lacked both the technical expertise and manufacturing efficiency required for mass military arms production. Despite producing a small number of carbines, their rifles suffered from poor quality control and failure to meet government standards. By early 1943, the contract was terminated, and production responsibilities, along with the Grand Rapids facility, were transferred to Saginaw Steering Gear (a General Motors division), which successfully continued carbine output at the site.
This short-lived and unsuccessful production run has made original Irwin-Pedersen M1 Carbines exceptionally rare in today’s collector market. Estimates suggest only about 3,500 to 3,800 carbines were actually completed by Irwin-Pedersen before the takeover, and of these, relatively few survive in original, unaltered configuration. Most of the completed rifles were rejected by inspectors and later rebuilt, further reducing the number of untouched examples available. As a result, an authentic, correct Irwin-Pedersen M1 Carbine is among the most desirable pieces in the field of U.S. military arms collecting. Their rarity, combined with the historical story of a failed wartime manufacturer, makes them both a fascinating research subject and a high-value collectible. Collectors value them not just for their scarcity but also as tangible reminders of the challenges America faced in rapidly scaling up wartime production. When one surfaces in complete, original condition, it often commands a significant premium at auction, standing as one of the crown jewels of the M1 Carbine family.
Adding to their collector appeal are the distinct markings and features that set Irwin-Pedersen carbines apart from those produced by other contractors. Original examples bear the “Irwin-Pedersen” stamp on the receiver, though many were later overstamped or altered once Saginaw took over production. Their parts also show subtle differences, as Irwin-Pedersen sourced components from subcontractors that were not widely used by other makers. Surviving rifles often exhibit mismatched parts due to postwar arsenal rebuilds, making correct specimens particularly prized by advanced collectors. Beyond their scarcity, Irwin-Pedersen carbines represent a unique footnote in American industrial history: a wartime experiment in outsourcing production that ultimately failed, yet inadvertently created one of the most collectible variants of the M1 Carbine ever produced.
Condition:
Condition:
This example is in SUPERB original condition for its age, showing no evidence of misuse or handling over the years!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
